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Allison and Brandon are not only a gorgeous couple but their wedding was without a doubt also just as gorgeous. This wedding is different than most of the weddings we plan because instead of becoming lifelong friends after the wedding, we already had a close friendship. In fact, I have basically known Brandon as long as I have known my husband. He lived with us for a few months when I first moved into our home. I will never forget when he met Allison. It was like a spark went off and although we were not there, I knew that he was completely smitten over her. Every time he talked about her he had a glowing smile that you could even “see” when you were just on the phone with him. When we had the chance to meet Allison, the second I said Hello to her, I knew one day these two would marry. Both of them just had this contagious love and smile from the very start of their relationship.

Living locally in Las Vegas, they decided to escape Sin City and wed in the ever so beautiful South Lake Tahoe. Their wedding took place at Edgewood Tahoe. The outdoor ceremony overlooking the mountains and the lake was breathtaking. This is a backdrop that you can’t find as it is just the natural beauty of the land. The reception was also at Edgewood just inside with the same views that looked unbelivable as the sunset. The bridal party made their grand entrance letting guests know that it was time to party by toasting with shots of tequila. Everyone at this wedding definitely had an amazing time as the dance floor never had room. Thank you Allison and Brandon for trusting us to be part of your wedding day. A huge thank you to their amazing photographer Nina Photography for capturing their day. Here are some of my favorite photos from their wedding day:

A huge thank you to all of the creative team that helped make this stunning wedding come to life:

Jen and Pat met with me about a year before their wedding date on a trip to Las Vegas to check out wedding venues. When I met with them it was basically an interview for me as they didn’t know if they needed a wedding planner or even what their exact plans were. I remember the meeting so well because they were going to visit venues after our meeting and they had set up appointments around 12 different venues. All of which were very different from one another. During our meeting even though I wasn’t hired as their planner I gave them planning advice to narrow their choices as it is difficult getting too many options. About a week later, I received an email from Jen thanking me for meeting with them and she claimed they did not take my advice as they should have. Long story short, they booked me that day for their wedding. Jen and Pat are probably two of the sweetest people I have ever met. Both of them had smiles that elimuinated the room when they walked in and when they looked at each other you could see that sparkle in their eyes. The wedding was just as beautiful as them. Throughout the whole process being an indecisive bride, Jen trusted my opinion which could go either way. It is always a risk for any bride or groom not knowing what their venue looks like until the food tasting or even the day of the wedding. I remember being so nervous as we went to their food tasting to show them the venue but it was exactly what they wanted. They loved every detail about their wedding and so did I. Jen actually chose her flowers and they turned out absolutely gorgeous. Every little detail was amazing for their wedding. We loved being part of this event as everyone there had such a good time and was such a great group of people supporting this loving couple. I think the biggest compliment I have ever received was from Jen and she said: “Desi, I feel like a guest and I’m just having so much fun”. This is our ultimate goal for every wedding. Thank you Jen and Pat for having us as part of your wedding day.

When I met Sara and TJ, I knew I had to immediately be part of their wedding. They got married in June in Las Vegas and I never encourage an outside reception but theirs was brilliant. I will add first, the family was coming in from the Ukraine and couldn’t wait to attend a traditional American wedding but this is not quite what they experienced. The wedding ceremony was a beautiful traditional ceremony at the Sayer’s Club inside SLS. Their guests were told though to wear resort casual and even their swimsuits. Many were stunned when they invites arrived and no on showed up to the ceremony in their swimsuits. Everyone did however come to the cocktail hour and reception in their beach wear and ready to take a dive in the pool. Their reception took place at the Lux Pool at SLS and it was a pool party reception. They had the huge swan and flamingo rafts as decor for the pool so guests could enjoy a float on them. This definitely wasn’t your traditional wedding reception but it was a huge hit. This wedding was so much fun to plan and it truly was a great idea. I encourage all of my summer couple’s if they must get married in Vegas in 100 + degree weather, why not do a fun nontraditional reception.

I have never met a bride more organized and ready to go then when I met Marissa eight months prior to their wedding. She knew exactly what she wanted and how she wanted it. When she said she needed a wedding planner, it was the first time I thought are you sure you need one? (Kidding) Joking aside, Marissa and Nate were such an adorable couple. They each complimented each other so perfectly. Coming from the midwest, the rivalries between in state schools are very serious but in the end, they put their differences aside for love. You see, Marissa went to Oklahoma, and Nate went to Oklahoma State. Being the amazing bride Marissa was though she called me for a top secret surprise that only me and the person coming would know. She decided to surprise Nate with Pistal Pete (Oklahoma State’s mascot). It was quite the journey coming here as he couldn’t fly because of the size of his head so he had to drive from Oklahoma State to Las Vegas. This could not have been a better surprise. Nate and his groomsmen looked like a child seeing Santa. It was such a memorable moment. The wedding was absolutely gorgeous from start to finish as I knew it would be. Thank you so much Marissa and Nate for choosing us to be part of your wedding day!

Here are a few of my favorite photos by Steven Joseph Photograhy:

Also, a huge thank you to all of their vendors who helped make their day:

Like this:

Rochelle and Mark found me all the way from the UK. I didn’t actually meet them until a few days before their wedding but I felt like I knew them forever. I planned their wedding about a year ahead of time so we had lots of contact back and forth. I heard mostly from Rochelle except it was so cute right before they came out to Vegas Mark was planning wedding day morning gifts for his bride to be. We planned a foot/leg massage while she was getting her makeup done that really made her day. He also wanted her favorite sparkling wine and bouquet of flowers delivered to her that morning. It was so sweet. Their wedding was unique because it essentially was a week long for them and all their guests. They all came together and left together on the same flight so this celebration was truly an amazing group of friends and family. Thank you Rochelle and Mark for choosing us to plan your wedding day! Here are a few of my favorite photos from their wedding day.

Christina and Matt are a gorgeous couple who met in Las Vegas but both have midwestern family roots. I met them a while back but ran into them again just as they were finishing up all their wedding details. Christina seemed a little flustered on how the day would actually turn out and who would direct her vendors, bridal party, and guests. I suggested hiring a day of coordinator and that is how I ended up with this gorgeous event. She needed some advice on the little things such as rentals, table numbers and place cards so I offered my assistance in gathering the few details they had left.

This gorgeous wedding took place on May 9th, 2015 at the Westin Lake Las Vegas. Their guest list of nearly 130 filled up the romantic ceremony space that overlooked the golf course and Lake Las Vegas. It was decorated with flowers and draping by Layers of Lovely, lanterns and mirror stand from Sit on This, and the garden chairs from the Westin. The floral with the lit candles made for the romantic look along with the lake in the background, which was so perfect for this 6pm wedding. The aisle also was alined with rose petals and the entrance for the bridal party was a grand walk. Christina’s Uncle was the officiant for the ceremony and Matt’s sister did a reading which made the two families come together and brought a heart felt touch to the wedding. Prior to the wedding, Christina and Matt did a letter exchange where they shared their love for one another that Matt’s Brother (the best man) exchanged with Christina and they each read aloud for the videographer. They did this in place of their own vows to omit any nervous tension.

Following the wedding the guests stayed in the space and were served cocktails while Christina and Matt took their photos together. About 30 minutes into the outdoor cocktail hour the wind really picked up and eventually we had a few rain sprinkles. The room was ready so most of the guests didn’t even feel a drop of rain as they headed to the ballroom reception space. I was worried about photos of Matt and Christina because there were a ton of outdoor spots they were going to use. Moxie Studio was their photographer and as windy/rainy as it was, they couldn’t have done a better job getting the shots in. They had gorgeous clouds and even a rainbow in their shots. We may not be able to control the weather, but they couldn’t have asked for more perfect timing. Plus, a little rain is good luck right!

The reception was set with similar flower arrangements and lanterns from the ceremony with a few additions. As guests entered they were greeted with a Thank you sign made by one of the bridesmaids as well as their blush glitter place cards that the bride put lots of detail in. Guests sat in beautiful gold chiavari chairs with an ivory cushions and had gold chargers at their place settings. The sweetheart table had a very elegant chandelier above it provided by Sit on This. The reception began with a grand entrance from the large bridal party of 13 plus the cutest little flower girl and ring bearer. Then it was time for the new Mr. and Mrs. Bees to be announced by the amazing DJ Harry O. They look absolutely gorgeous and so in love as they entered. They immediately took the dance floor and danced a choreographed dance to Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud”. It was adorable and they danced so elegantly. Following this was a blessing by Christina’s father followed by dinner. After dinner, the best man and maid of honor speeches were made along with a thank you from the couple. The cake cutting of their chic wedding cake by Las Vegas Custom Cakes took place next. Then Christina did a father daughter dance as Lighten Films captured this along with the entire wedding. Finally the dance floor opened for guests to dance and I must say this dance floor was never empty. In the middle, Christina (a former sorority member), asked her Alpha Chi Omega girls to join her on the dance floor. They entered the dance floor with glow sticks which were their wedding favors and danced away to Dj Skrilla’s “Alpha Chi Omega Anthem”. Guests were also handed glow sticks to join in on the fun and they sure danced the night away. I haven’t planned a wedding where when the lights came on and every single guest were still on the dance floor wanting more. They eventually were sent to the hotel bar to continue the celebration. It was such a great group of people and truly an honor to be part of such a gorgeous event.

Thank you so much to all of the Vendors that helped bring this beautiful event together:

For more information on planning a gorgeous wedding like this, please feel free to contact me at desi@desirableevent.com or (248) 836-8605. Visit our website to see more of our weddings and events along with our packages.

As everyone knows and says, planning a wedding can be extremely stressful. Something that only adds to the stress is last minute things that come up in which the couple either overlooks or since they haven’t been married doesn’t even know they need. My suggestion to anyone getting married of course is to hire a wedding planner or at very least a day of coordinator to prevent any stress from happening. However, if this is not in your budget please feel free to read on for the little things couples usually forget.

1. The Rings- now of course this is something that is purchased far in advance but the day of your wedding this is one of the most forgetful items. I don’t know if it’s the excitement of the whole thing or what but this happens often. Try to assign someone the week of your wedding to be in charge of both wedding rings this way they will show up and be together.

2. Accessories- Sure the tux and dress arrive safely but what about the little things. The ties, socks, veil, earrings, garter, shoes, everything that puts your entire outfit together. Three quick stories I have on this is one, our wedding I packed both of our outfits from head to toe, with extra accessories in case I didn’t like something. Come the next afternoon as my future hubby is getting dressed he calls my maid of honor to ask where the tie was. Of course I left it at home. The only thing that is definitely going to stand out if he didn’t have. Luckily for us, we lived 2 minutes away and best man came to the rescue. A wedding I planned, thank goodness the bride woke up with butterflies at 5 am because as she was laying out her accessories for the photographers she realized her veil was at her sister’s house in Houston, Texas (we were in Vegas). Luckily a friend didn’t have his flight until a few hours later and was able to get the veil in time for his flight and have it well before the wedding started. On a side note, by hiring us I would have ran to the store myself and found the exact veil or one closest to it for her. Last one of my grooms forgot a pair of socks for the big day. Since he was closest to Crystals he went over only to buy a $45 pair of designer socks… that ended up being close to knee highs on him. It was hilarious and I can only imagine his brides face that night when she saw them. I send out a checklist of things to remember but it is always best to designate a trustworthy bridal party or family member to keep this stuff safe.

3. Unity Ceremony items- whether they be custom traditions for your culture or something fun to add into the ceremony, don’t forget these items. Most are purchased by the couple and this is a reason I strongly agree to having a wedding coordinator because you can make them responsible for these items. You don’t want your officiant to call you up for the sand ceremony and have vases but no sand to unite with.

4. Place cards- If you are having a sit down dinner where guests choose what they are having you MUST have place cards. I have yet to find a venue that doesn’t require them. Each guest receives a place card and there is always a “secret” symbol on them to designate who has fish, beef, or chicken. A classy way of doing this is by simply adding a different color pearl or rhinestone for each (i.e. fish-white, beef-black, chicken-wedding color) You can always have place cards if you don’t have your guests choose but couples you must have them if they do. If you have a buffet or family style then you may opt out for the extra work in place cards and just do a poster seating chart. Many places also do not set these up for you, so if you want your family and friends to relax on your wedding day this is also a good reason to hire a wedding coordinator.

5. Table Numbers- You rented all your centerpieces, linen, etc, but what about your table numbers? Some rental companies offer table numbers as well but couples tend to forget until the very last minute (just like the place cards) that these are needed. If you have assigned seating then you definitely need either table numbers, books, however you decide your guests will find their seats make sure you actually show this within the centerpieces.

6. Guestbook- Something else you need to bring yourself and set up (or have your wedding coordinator which yes many venues give you a coordinator but they are mostly for the ceremony and many will not set up additional items for you). Guestbooks are all sorts of items from a traditional book, photo book, monogram letter, anything to be unique and stand out. You don’t want to forget this because although guests RSVP to your weddings, you want to know who actually showed up. Don’t forget if you choose something unique to make sure you have a pen that writes well on it.

7. Card box- If you are allowing guest to bring gifts to your wedding then you must have a spot for them to put it. Most guests typically bring cards and there are tons of cute ways to display a card box. Find something that fits the theme of your wedding. Some rental companies offer a few standard boxes but go unique and you can keep it as home decor after. This also needs to be set up by you.

8. Any additional decor items- In the Pinterest world we live in today, it is typical for couples to find all these little add ons to decor that they want to buy instead of rent. This is a great addition to your wedding decorations, typically cost effective, and looks great. However, any of these items will also need someone to set up. As a wedding planner I will be honest to say there hasn’t been a wedding yet that I have planned that the bed of our truck wasn’t filled with extra things the couple had for their wedding. I am not saying all planners are open to sharing their spare room with items you mail to them but I am very considerate of out of town guests and I don’t mind having items sent to the house. I love helping set up the room and making it just as you wish.

It is very important to keep these things always in the back of your mind throughout the planning process. Keep notes on everything you buy for your wedding and what you need to bring so you don’t forget. Create your own checklist with these items and I would even assign someone you trust to keep them all together. I know I am a wedding planner but even if I wasn’t, I highly suggest hiring a day of coordinator to put everything together. Many of the venues you use have coordinators, however, their job doesn’t include setting up your place cards, DIY decor, and table numbers. It is best to hire someone so that you do not have to have your family members or bridal party set up before the ceremony. I have had lots of requests for day of coordination lately but I think many couples are confused at what this entails. We can’t come right before the ceremony and leave after your first dance (at least I do not). We are there hours before setting up the space, making sure all your vendors know what they are doing and arrive on time. We set up all your DIY stuff and extra decor. We have to be in contact with you and your vendors at least a month prior to make sure everyone is on the same page. You can hire a coordinator that may only show up for your ceremony but why even hire them. Research exactly what you are getting before you book anyone, including all vendors and venues. There are tons of people out there who give great breaks on pricing but just remember, you get what you pay for. Desirable Events by Desi goes above and beyond expectations because we want you book many more events with us.

Engaged or planning an event? Please contact me at desi@desirableevent.com or (248)836-8605 for more information. I also would love to meet in person or through Skype for a free consultation.